EARLY MARRIAGE, MY BIGGEST MISTAKE- ROSE ODIKA

EARLY MARRIAGE, MY BIGGEST MISTAKE- ROSE ODIKA

My name is Rose Odika. I’m from Aniocha North, Delta state I was brought up in Ibadan. My dad worked as a police officer and my mum was a petty trader. I’m the second out of seven children. I had my primary and secondary school education in Ibadan,. I attended St. Richard’s Catholic Primary School and Ahmadiya Grammar School. Both schools were  at Eleyele, Ibadan.

           WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR ACTING?

It was at a very young age. Back in secondary school, I was with the drama club. We did a lot of plays and my vice principal kept encouraging me to consider acting. The problem was that my dad didn’t like the fact that I was interested in acting. He wanted me to study linguistics. My mother on the other hand was indifferent. However, I got admission into Alvan Ikoku college of Education to study Health Education.

        HOW DID YOU COMBINE SCHOOLING AND ACTING AT THE SAME   

  TIME?

While in school I only acted during the holidays but when school was on I concentrated on my studies. It was during my schooling that I met Mr. Tunji Fatilewa, he used to run some soaps opera. Among the soaps I did with him is the popular “neighbour next door“. During our brief business association, I did a couple of stage plays. To God be glory, my big break came in 1993 when I played the lead role in “Ododo eye“. I also starred in Movies like “vanity house“, “mammy water’s wedding” and many others.

              WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE ACTING?

It wasn’t so difficult for me. I was really young when I started and I made some impact in the industry early. I had the right connections and so I was getting  roles in various movie projects across the clan. When you’re very good at what you do things would go smoothly for you. I didn’t experience sexual harassment. As time goes by. I started producing movies. I produced Ataare, Gbosee wo, Amuni Madajo, Iya ni iya mi, Enu Eje and Alapanibu. It was then I faced the challenges of being a producer.

     ARE THERE OTHER BUSINESSES YOU’RE INVOLVED IN WHEN YOU’RE

   NOT ACTING, SINGING OR PRODUCING?

Yes, I’m a fashion designer, the dress I’m putting on now was made by me. I’m also into skin care products. And by God’s grace I plan opening a restaurant where we’ll make exclusively Igbo and south/south dishes.

             TELL US ABOUT YOUR SKIN CARE PRODUCTS?

We take care of both dark and light skin. We call ourselves skin managers. We use herbal products to give you the natural look. We do facials and we also have multivitamins to help give your skin that radiant look. I don’t encourage bleaching. I recommend the use of 0ur products, the moisturizer, herbal cream, and soap. The brand name is Rose JB skin care product. It is very affordable and you can get it anywhere.

 WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

Music was a calling. I had an encounter with Jesus Christ in 1996. I was involved in a ghastly motor accident around Ore in Ondo State but I survived it, I got hospitalized but I was miraculously healed by Christ so I decided to serve God with my voice by singing praises. ARA JESU was my first album in 2008. I am working on another album called `ADURA MI GBA.   

                  LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR FIRST LOVE.

He is late now. May his soul rest in peace. His name is Oluwabiyi Ronald Eke from Delta state. We met when I was teaching as a part-time teacher in his mummy’s school. Soon he started to ask me out. I was attracted to him because he was very intelligent, gentle and nice.

           WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?

There were two of them that really affected me. The first was when I lost my dad at an early age. I wished he was here to see just how much I’ve accomplished and celebrate with me.The second one is my marriage that failed. I never imagined such a thing would ever happen to me.

                WHAT ABOUT YOUR HAPPIEST MOMENT?

It was when I had my baby it took me five years after marriage to have her so i was really   happy. Her name is Oyinkansola Sharon Nwakaego.

     HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO MANAGE MOTHERHOOD AND YOUR CAREER?

It wasn’t easy but my daughter is very precious to me so I tried as hard as I could to devote time for her. I usually take two weeks off work and then my mother was a lot of support to me. She was always there for me and my daughter she made it really easy.

       WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE AND THE

   BREAK UP?

Yes I would like people to learn from me. My marriage wasn’t a good experience. I’m working on a book about my mistake. I was young, full of life and I was in a hurry. I started living with him even before marriage and that was a big mistake. My experience taught me that it is good to wait, think thoroughly and go through the right process. It’s right to wait till you’re mature enough. Parental influence too added to the break up.

                DO YOU HAVE INTENTIONS OF REMARRYING?

If it happens, good. But if it doesn’t I’m good with my life. I’m a little skeptical because of my age and some other considerations. WHAT WOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A MAN NOW THAT YOU’RE OLDER?  

   I will be looking out for a matured and God-fearing man.

                WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR LEISURE?

I spend it resting, I find a good place to relax because I’m a busy person and when I find        a way to escape I spend it resting.

     CONCERNING THE PRESENT ECONOMY SITUATION IN NIGERIA  WHAT  IS  YOUR ADVICE TO THE YOUTH?

Self-reliance is the answer. Use the strength of the population to achieve. Rendering services is a good way. If you like tailoring or hair dressing or some other vocation, work very hard at it

                      WHAT DO YOU THINK OF FACE OF AFRICA INTERNATIONAL  MAGAZINE?

I think it is a good initiative and a way to integrate Africans with the world. I want to be part of the process and results. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to be interviewed. It is a good idea with good concept as it allowed people like me to tell the world about the events coming up from my stable.

One comes up in June,the queen and king of the runway contest. Designers have shown interest to show case their African fabrics. There is also going to be designers award. This would happen in Ibadan. The other event would be in November. It is Ewa Asa and the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II would be hosting us in his palace. This event is all about promoting the Yoruba culture. There would be three segments.. competitions where the best would win cash prizes,cultural displays from different cultural groups of the Yoruba, show casing our food, dances and culture, and award given ceremony to prominent Yoruba people who have contributed to the sustenance of the Yoruba cultures. Many celebrities would be there.  

              WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FANS?

I love and appreciate each and everyone of you. I would not be here without you. Thank you for your support and I wish you the very best in life.